All Public Works, LTA Contracts To Be Probed…Dep. Min. Victor Smith Resigns

President Ellen Johnson has ordered a full investigation into all standing contracts between the Ministry of Public Works and construction companies in the country.

President Sirleaf has directed all current and former officials of the Ministry of Public Works to cooperate fully with the investigation. According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf took the decision following a meeting last evening with Public Works officials. The Liberian leader took the decision to ensure that Government gets the full value for money spent. Meanwhile, President Sirleaf has accepted, with immediate effect, the resignation of Deputy Public Works Minister for Technical Services, Mr. Victor Smith., and has directed him to remain in country and cooperate fully with the investigation.

In another development, President Sirleaf has frozen the accounts of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), and suspended the US$1 million lease agreement between LTA and a Chinese company, Qinjian International, for a building it intends to secure as an office.